Suspended system with orientation control

ABSTRACT

A suspended system with orientation control. The system may have a frame, a sign attached to the frame, a plurality of sensors, at least two thrusters, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the thrusters. The frame is configured to be suspended from a support, and the sign is configured to display a graphic. The plurality of sensors is configured to track an orientation of the frame. The thrusters are configured to adjust the orientation of the frame. Each of the thrusters may have an axis oriented in a direction perpendicular to the frame. The microcontroller is configured to receive a selected orientation of the frame, receive the current orientation of the frame from the sensors, compare the orientation of the frame with the selected orientation, and control the thrusters to adjust the orientation of the frame into the selected orientation.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of the filing date of U.S.Provisional Patent Application 63/238,690 entitled “Suspended ObjectOrientation Control System” to Andrew Wise that was filed on Aug. 30,2021, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated herein by thisreference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

Aspects of this document relate generally to suspended systems withorientation control, and more specifically to suspended systems withsigns or other displays.

BACKGROUND

Objects may be suspended from a support above the object for a varietyof reasons. For example, signs are frequently hung from a supportwithout having a fixed position or orientation. Regardless of thereason, these objects frequently are moved from an ideal orientation orposition by the wind or by the motion of the support, disrupting thepurpose of the object. For example, a sign may become turned around suchthat the sign is unreadable.

SUMMARY

Aspects of this document relate to a suspended system with orientationcontrol comprising a frame configured to be suspended from a support andhaving a plurality of members, wherein each member of the plurality ofmembers extends within a single plane, a sign attached to the frame andconfigured to display a graphic, a plurality of sensors coupled to theframe and configured to track a position and an orientation of the framein real time, at least two thrusters attached to the frame andconfigured to adjust the position and the orientation of the frame,wherein each of the at least two thrusters has an axis oriented in adirection perpendicular to the single plane, wherein a first thruster ofthe at least two thrusters is positioned on a first end of the frame anda second thruster of the at least two thrusters is positioned on asecond end of the frame opposite the first end, and wherein each of theat least two thrusters comprises two propellers axially aligned andconfigured to rotate in a same direction while creating thrust inopposite directions, and a microcontroller operatively coupled to theplurality of sensors and the at least two thrusters and configured towirelessly receive a selected position and a selected orientation of theframe from a user, receive the position and the orientation of the framein real time from the plurality of sensors, compare the position of theframe with the selected position and the orientation of the frame withthe selected orientation, calculate a thrust needed from each of the atleast two thrusters to move the frame into the selected position and theselected orientation, control the at least two thrusters to adjust theposition and the orientation of the frame into the selected position andthe selected orientation, and verify that the position and theorientation of the frame are equal to the selected position and theselected orientation.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The frame may comprise four corners and a thruster of the atleast two thrusters may be positioned adjacent each corner of the fourcorners. The plurality of sensors may include a gyroscope, anaccelerometer, a barometer, and a magnetometer. The support may be anunmanned aerial vehicle. The sign may comprise a holographic fan.

Aspects of this document relate to a suspended system with orientationcontrol comprising a planar frame configured to be suspended from asupport, a plurality of sensors coupled to the frame and configured totrack an orientation of the frame in real time, at least two thrustersattached to the frame and configured to adjust the orientation of theframe, wherein each of the at least two thrusters has an axis orientedin a direction perpendicular to the frame, and a microcontrolleroperatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the at least twothrusters and configured to wirelessly receive a selected orientation ofthe frame from a user, receive the orientation of the frame in real timefrom the plurality of sensors, compare the orientation of the frame withthe selected orientation, control the at least two thrusters to adjustthe orientation of the frame into the selected orientation, and verifythat the orientation of the frame is equal to the selected orientation.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The suspended system may further comprise a sign attached tothe frame and configured to display a graphic. The sign may comprise aholographic fan. A first thruster of the at least two thrusters may bepositioned on a first end of the frame and a second thruster of the atleast two thrusters may be positioned on a second end of the frameopposite the first end. The microcontroller may be further configured tocalculate a thrust needed from each of the at least two thrusters tomove the frame into the selected orientation. The frame may comprisefour corners and a thruster of the at least two thrusters may bepositioned adjacent each corner of the four corners. The support may bean unmanned aerial vehicle. Each of the at least two thrusters maycomprise two propellers axially aligned and configured to rotate in asame direction while creating thrust in opposite directions. Each of theat least two thrusters may be a bidirectional thruster and may beconfigured to selectably create thrust in two opposite directions. Theplurality of sensors may include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, abarometer, and a magnetometer.

Aspects of this document relate to a suspended system with orientationcontrol comprising a frame configured to be suspended from a support andhaving a front face, a plurality of sensors coupled to the frame andconfigured to track an orientation of the frame, at least two thrustersattached to the frame and configured to adjust the orientation of theframe, wherein each of the at least two thrusters has an axis orientedin a direction perpendicular to the front face of the frame, and amicrocontroller operatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and theat least two thrusters and configured to receive a selected orientationof the frame from a user, receive the orientation of the frame from theplurality of sensors, and control the at least two thrusters to adjustthe orientation of the frame into the selected orientation.

Particular embodiments may comprise one or more of the followingfeatures. The front face of the frame may be planar. The plurality ofsensors may be configured to track an orientation of the frame in realtime and the orientation of the frame may be received by themicrocontroller from the plurality of sensors in real time. Themicrocontroller may be further configured to compare the orientation ofthe frame with the selected orientation. The suspended system mayfurther comprise a sign attached to the frame and configured to displaya graphic. The sign may comprise a holographic fan. A first thruster ofthe at least two thrusters may be positioned on a first end of the frameand a second thruster of the at least two thrusters may be positioned ona second end of the frame opposite the first end. The microcontrollermay be further configured to calculate a thrust needed from each of theat least two thrusters to move the frame into the selected orientation.The frame may comprise four corners and a thruster of the at least twothrusters may be positioned adjacent each corner of the four corners.The support may be an unmanned aerial vehicle. The plurality of sensorsmay include a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a barometer, and amagnetometer. Each of the at least two thrusters may be a bidirectionalthruster and may be configured to selectably create thrust in twoopposite directions. Each of the at least two thrusters may comprise twopropellers axially aligned and configured to rotate in a same directionwhile creating thrust in opposite directions.

Aspects of this document relate to a suspended system with orientationcontrol comprising a frame configured to be suspended from a support, aplurality of sensors coupled to the frame and configured to track anorientation of the frame, at least two thrusters attached to the frameand configured to adjust the orientation of the frame, wherein each ofthe at least two thrusters has an axis and wherein the axes of the atleast two thrusters are parallel with each other, and a microcontrolleroperatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the at least twothrusters and configured to receive a selected orientation of the framefrom a user, receive the orientation of the frame from the plurality ofsensors, and control the at least two thrusters to adjust theorientation of the frame into the selected orientation.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, applications, and advantageswill be apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from thespecification, drawings, and the claims. Unless specifically noted, itis intended that the words and phrases in the specification and theclaims be given their plain, ordinary, and accustomed meaning to thoseof ordinary skill in the applicable arts. The inventor is fully awarethat he can be his own lexicographer if desired. The inventor expresslyelects, as his own lexicographer, to use only the plain and ordinarymeaning of terms in the specification and claims unless they clearlystate otherwise and then further, expressly set forth the “special”definition of that term and explain how it differs from the plain andordinary meaning. Absent such clear statements of intent to apply a“special” definition, it is the inventor's intent and desire that thesimple, plain and ordinary meaning to the terms be applied to theinterpretation of the specification and claims.

The inventor is also aware of the normal precepts of English grammar.Thus, if a noun, term, or phrase is intended to be furthercharacterized, specified, or narrowed in some way, then such noun, term,or phrase will expressly include additional adjectives, descriptiveterms, or other modifiers in accordance with the normal precepts ofEnglish grammar. Absent the use of such adjectives, descriptive terms,or modifiers, it is the intent that such nouns, terms, or phrases begiven their plain, and ordinary English meaning to those skilled in theapplicable arts as set forth above.

Further, the inventor is fully informed of the standards and applicationof the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Thus, the use of thewords “function,” “means” or “step” in the Detailed Description orDescription of the Drawings or claims is not intended to somehowindicate a desire to invoke the special provisions of 35 U.S.C. §112(f), to define the invention. To the contrary, if the provisions of35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are sought to be invoked to define the inventions,the claims will specifically and expressly state the exact phrases“means for” or “step for”, and will also recite the word “function”(i.e., will state “means for performing the function of [insertfunction]”), without also reciting in such phrases any structure,material or act in support of the function. Thus, even when the claimsrecite a “means for performing the function of . . . ” or “step forperforming the function of . . . ,” if the claims also recite anystructure, material or acts in support of that means or step, or thatperform the recited function, then it is the clear intention of theinventors not to invoke the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f). Moreover,even if the provisions of 35 U.S.C. § 112(f) are invoked to define theclaimed aspects, it is intended that these aspects not be limited onlyto the specific structure, material or acts that are described in thepreferred embodiments, but in addition, include any and all structures,materials or acts that perform the claimed function as described inalternative embodiments or forms of the disclosure, or that are wellknown present or later-developed, equivalent structures, material oracts for performing the claimed function.

The foregoing and other aspects, features, and advantages will beapparent to those of ordinary skill in the art from the specification,drawings, and the claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Implementations will hereinafter be described in conjunction with theappended drawings, where like designations denote like elements, and:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a suspended system with orientationcontrol and a holographic fan;

FIG. 2 is a front view of the suspended system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the suspended system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the suspended system shown in FIG. 1 ;

FIG. 5 is a close-up perspective view of a thruster of the suspendedsystem shown in FIG. 1 , taken from circle 5;

FIG. 6 is a close-up perspective view of another embodiment of thethruster of the suspended system;

FIG. 7 is a close-up perspective view of the holographic fan shown inFIG. 1 , taken from circle 7;

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of the suspended system shown in FIG. 1 ,but with thrusters positioned adjacent each of the four corners of theframe and a physical sign replacing the holographic fan;

FIG. 9 is a schematic showing the suspended system shown in FIG. 1 inuse, suspended from an unmanned aerial vehicle; and

FIG. 10 is a process diagram illustrating various functions which themicrocontroller is configured to perform.

Skilled artisans will appreciate that elements in the figures areillustrated for simplicity and clarity and have not necessarily beendrawn to scale. For example, the dimensions of some of the elements inthe figures may be exaggerated relative to other elements to help toimprove understanding of implementations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure, its aspects and implementations, are not limited to thespecific material types, components, methods, or other examplesdisclosed herein. Many additional material types, components, methods,and procedures known in the art are contemplated for use with particularimplementations from this disclosure. Accordingly, for example, althoughparticular implementations are disclosed, such implementations andimplementing components may comprise any components, models, types,materials, versions, quantities, and/or the like as is known in the artfor such systems and implementing components, consistent with theintended operation.

The word “exemplary,” “example,” or various forms thereof are usedherein to mean serving as an example, instance, or illustration. Anyaspect or design described herein as “exemplary” or as an “example” isnot necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over otheraspects or designs. Furthermore, examples are provided solely forpurposes of clarity and understanding and are not meant to limit orrestrict the disclosed subject matter or relevant portions of thisdisclosure in any manner. It is to be appreciated that a myriad ofadditional or alternate examples of varying scope could have beenpresented, but have been omitted for purposes of brevity.

While this disclosure includes a number of implementations that aredescribed in many different forms, there is shown in the drawings andwill herein be described in detail particular implementations with theunderstanding that the present disclosure is to be considered as anexemplification of the principles of the disclosed methods and systems,and is not intended to limit the broad aspect of the disclosed conceptsto the implementations illustrated.

In the following description, reference is made to the accompanyingdrawings which form a part hereof, and which show by way of illustrationpossible implementations. It is to be understood that otherimplementations may be utilized, and structural, as well as procedural,changes may be made without departing from the scope of this document.As a matter of convenience, various components will be described usingexemplary materials, sizes, shapes, dimensions, and the like. However,this document is not limited to the stated examples and otherconfigurations are possible and within the teachings of the presentdisclosure. As will become apparent, changes may be made in the functionand/or arrangement of any of the elements described in the disclosedexemplary implementations without departing from the spirit and scope ofthis disclosure.

The present disclosure is related to a suspended system 100 withorientation control. The suspended system 100 is configured to receive aselected position and orientation from the user, move to the selectedposition and orientation, and maintain that position and orientationover time, adapting to changing conditions such as motion of thesuspended system 100 and wind. As shown in FIG. 1 , the suspended system100 has a frame 102, a plurality of sensors 104, at least two thrusters106, and a microcontroller 108. The suspended system 100 may alsoinclude a remote control or mobile app which allows the user to controlthe suspended system 100 remotely. Thus, the user may be enabled tochange the selected position and/or orientation wirelessly, withoutrequiring physical access to the suspended system 100.

The frame 102 is configured to be suspended from a support 10. Thus, theframe 102 may be free to rotate about a vertical axis. The support 10may be a fixed object, such as a protrusion from a building or a pole,or may be a mobile support, such as an unmanned aerial vehicle (see FIG.9 ) or a blimp. The support 10 could also be a cable or other dynamicsupport which allows the suspended system 100 to move along the support10.

The frame 102 may have a plurality of members 110. In some embodiments,each member 110 the plurality of members 110 extends within a singleplane, as shown in FIGS. 1-4 . In other words, the frame 102 may beplanar, with each member 110 of the frame 102 contained within oneplane. The frame 102 shown in FIG. 1 is rectangular, and thus has fourcorners 111. However, the frame 102 may be any shape. In someembodiments, the frame 102 has a front face 112. The front face 112 maynot be solid, but instead may be an imaginary surface extending acrossthe frame 102, defined by physical components of the frame 102 such asthe members 110 of the frame 102. The front face 112 may be planar.

The suspended system 100 may also comprise a sign 114 attached to theframe 102 and configured to display a graphic. The sign 114 may comprisea holographic fan 115, as shown in FIG. 1 . The holographic fan 115 hasa plurality of lights 117 along each of the blades 119 of the fan 115(see FIG. 7 ). As the fan 115 turns, the lights 117 are configured tolight up at the right moment to produce a holographic-like image. Thesign 114 may also comprise a physical sign, as shown in FIG. 8 .

In an embodiment having a sign 114 attached to the frame 102, the frontface 112 may be defined by a surface of the sign 114 where the graphicis displayed. For example, without regard to the actual shape of theframe 102, the front face 112 of the frame 102 may be the front surfaceof the blades shown in FIG. 1 that make up the sign 114 because theframe 102 supports the sign 114 in its position, making the frontsurface of the blades the front face 112 of the frame 102. As anotherexample, the front face 112 of the frame 102 may be the front surface ofthe sign 114 shown in FIG. 8 .

The plurality of sensors 104 are coupled to the frame 102 and areconfigured to track an orientation of the frame 102. In someembodiments, the plurality of sensors 104 also track a position of theframe 102. The plurality of sensors 104 may be positioned near a centerof the frame 102, adjacent the microcontroller 108, as shown in FIG. 1 .Alternatively, the sensors 104 may be positioned at various locations onthe frame 102 as may be advantageous to the user. For example, insituations where it is helpful to have accurate readings of the motionof the thrusters 106, the plurality of sensors 104 may be positionedwith each of the thrusters 106. The plurality of sensors 104 could alsobe positioned on the corners 111 of the frame 102, or at any otherlocation of the suspended system 100.

The plurality of sensors 104 may track the position and/or theorientation of the frame 102. By tracking the position and/ororientation of the frame 102, the sensors 104 create a feedback loop forthe microcontroller 108 so that the suspended system 100 can respond tochanging conditions.

In some embodiments, the plurality of sensors 104 tracks the positionand/or orientation of the frame 102 in real time. When tracking in realtime, the sensors 104 may take measurements at any time interval asrequired for the system 100 to take action to maintain the desiredposition and/or desired orientation for the frame 102. The time intervalmay be regular. In some embodiments, the time interval is at least onceevery second or at least once every two seconds. Alternatively, the timeinterval may be variable, allowing the system 100 to take measurementsinfrequently when conditions are not significantly changing, such aswhen the system 100 is used indoors, but also allowing the system 100 toadapt to take measurements more frequently when changes begin occurring,such as when the system 100 is used outdoors and the wind beginsblowing.

The plurality of sensors 104 may take other measurements to predictchanges in the position and/or orientation of the frame 102 before theyoccur. For example, the plurality of sensors may measure windspeed, winddirection, and temperature to allow the suspended system 100 tocounteract the effects of the wind as quickly as possible. The pluralityof sensors 104 may measure the acceleration and rotation of the frame102, including the roll, pitch, and yaw, to counter any undesiredchanges as quickly as possible.

The plurality of sensors 104 may include any combination of thefollowing: a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a barometer, and amagnetometer. The suspended system 100 may be configured to send alldata collected from the plurality of sensors 104 to the remote controlor mobile app of the user so that the user is able to monitor thesuspended system 100 during use.

The thrusters 106 are attached to the frame 102 and are configured toadjust the orientation of the frame 102. In some embodiments, thethrusters 106 may also be configured to adjust the position of the frame102. The thrusters 106 may comprise a rotatory propeller 116 thatcreates thrust by rotating about an axis. For example, the propeller 116may have blades that are shaped to create thrust when rotated about theaxis, as is known in the art. The axis of each thruster 106 may beoriented in a direction perpendicular to the front face 112. The axis ofeach thruster 106 may be parallel with the axes of the other thrusters106. For embodiments with a planar frame 102 as disclosed above, theaxis of each thruster 106 may be oriented in a direction perpendicularto the plane of the frame 102.

The thrusters 106 may be positioned in various locations on the frame102. For example, a first thruster 106 a of the at least two thrusters106 may be positioned on a first end 118 of the frame 102, while asecond thruster 106 b of the at least two thrusters 106 may bepositioned on a second end 120 of the frame 102, where the second end120 is opposite the first end 118. As another example, a thruster 106may be positioned adjacent each corner 111 of the frame 102. Thus, foran embodiment of the suspended system 100 with four corners 111 as shownin FIG. 8 , a thruster 106 may be positioned each of the four corners111.

As mentioned above, each of the thrusters 106 may comprise a propeller116. In some embodiments, the thrusters 106 may comprise two propellers116, as shown in FIG. 5 . In such an embodiment, the propellers 116 maybe axially aligned to provide opposing forces at the same point. Thisincreases the control with which the suspended system 100 can berotated. The propellers 116 may be configured to rotate in the samedirection while creating thrust in opposite directions. This helps toavoid creating problems with the pitch of the frame 102. If thepropellers 116 rotate in opposite directions, they both contribute tothe frame 102 tilting towards one side. By having them rotate in thesame direction, the propellers 116 instead cancel this effect out.

In some embodiments, the thruster 106 comprises a single propeller, asshown in FIG. 6 . In such an embodiment, the thruster 106 may bebidirectional, and thus may be configured to selectably create thrust intwo opposite directions. The bidirectional thruster 106 may be used tocreate thrust in either direction depending on which direction is neededto move the frame 102 into the desired orientation or maintain the frame102 in the desired orientation.

The microcontroller 108 is operatively coupled to the plurality ofsensors 104 and to the at least two thrusters 106. The microcontroller108 is configured to receive data from the plurality of sensors 104 anduse this data to control the thrusters 106 for a desired outcome. Forexample, the user may desire for the sign 114 to face a single directionwithout rotating. The plurality of sensors 104 may send measurementsregarding the physical motion of the frame 102, such as theacceleration, rotation, and position, as well as environmental factorsthat affect the frame 102, such as the wind speed. The microcontroller108 is configured to take these measurements and control the thrusters106 to counteract any motion that has been measured. As another example,the user may desire for the sign 114 to rotate to face a new direction.The microcontroller 108 is configured to control the thruster 106 tocarry out this change, and is configured to monitor the motion as itoccurs to ensure that the frame 102 reaches the desired position and/ororientation.

In embodiments which have a holographic fan 115 and are suspended from asupport 10 which is mobile, or in embodiments that are configured tomove with respect to the support 10, the suspended system 100 may beused to create a graphic display which is larger than the frame 102. Forexample, an embodiment with a holographic fan 115 that is suspended froman unmanned aerial vehicle, as shown in FIG. 9 , can be moved using theunmanned aerial vehicle to position the holographic fan 115 in differentlocations. Because the holographic fan 115 creates images by turninglights 117 on and off when the lights 117 are in specific locations,moving the suspended system 100 into different positions allows theholographic fan 115 to create images that move over distances largerthan any dimension of the frame 102. For example, the suspended system100 could be used to display a mascot flying above a sports field.Instead of being contained within a static frame, the mascot could beshown flying to any location as long as that location is accessible tothe suspended system 100. The orientation control features of thesuspended system 100 allow the frame 102 to remain stable even as thesuspended system 100 moves to different locations. This effect may beespecially remarkable in low-light situations because the frame 102 maynot be visible, making the floating and moving holographic image evenmore impressive to viewers.

FIG. 10 illustrates various functions which the microcontroller may beconfigured to perform. As shown, the microcontroller may be configuredto wirelessly receive a selected position and/or a selected orientationof the frame from a user 122 (e.g., a remote control or mobile app whichallows the user to control the suspended system 100 remotely), receivethe position and/or the orientation of the frame in real time from theplurality of sensors 124, compare the position of the frame with theselected position and/or the orientation of the frame with the selectedorientation 126, calculate a thrust needed from each of the at least twothrusters to move the frame into the selected position and/or theselected orientation 128, control the at least two thrusters to adjustthe position and/or the orientation of the frame into the selectedposition and/or the selected orientation 130, and verify that theposition and/or the orientation of the frame are equal to the selectedposition and/or the selected orientation 132.

It will be understood that implementations of a suspended system withorientation control are not limited to the specific assemblies, devicesand components disclosed in this document, as virtually any assemblies,devices and components consistent with the intended operation of asuspended system with orientation control may be used. Accordingly, forexample, although particular suspended systems, and other assemblies,devices and components are disclosed, such may include any shape, size,style, type, model, version, class, measurement, concentration,material, weight, quantity, and/or the like consistent with the intendedoperation of suspended systems. Implementations are not limited to usesof any specific assemblies, devices and components; provided that theassemblies, devices and components selected are consistent with theintended operation of a suspended system with orientation control.

Accordingly, the components defining any suspended system withorientation control may be formed of any of many different types ofmaterials or combinations thereof that can readily be formed into shapedobjects provided that the materials selected are consistent with theintended operation of a suspended system with orientation control. Forexample, the components may be formed of: polymers such asthermoplastics (such as ABS, Fluoropolymers, Polyacetal, Polyamide;Polycarbonate, Polyethylene, Polysulfone, and/or the like), thermosets(such as Epoxy, Phenolic Resin, Polyimide, Polyurethane, Silicone,and/or the like), any combination thereof, and/or other like materials;glasses (such as quartz glass), carbon-fiber, aramid-fiber, anycombination thereof, and/or other like materials; composites and/orother like materials; metals, such as zinc, magnesium, titanium, copper,lead, iron, steel, carbon steel, alloy steel, tool steel, stainlesssteel, brass, nickel, tin, antimony, pure aluminum, 1100 aluminum,aluminum alloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials;alloys, such as aluminum alloy, titanium alloy, magnesium alloy, copperalloy, any combination thereof, and/or other like materials; any othersuitable material; and/or any combination of the foregoing thereof. Ininstances where a part, component, feature, or element is governed by astandard, rule, code, or other requirement, the part may be made inaccordance with, and to comply under such standard, rule, code, or otherrequirement.

Various suspended systems may be manufactured using conventionalprocedures as added to and improved upon through the proceduresdescribed here. Some components defining a suspended system withorientation control may be manufactured simultaneously and integrallyjoined with one another, while other components may be purchasedpre-manufactured or manufactured separately and then assembled with theintegral components. Various implementations may be manufactured usingconventional procedures as added to and improved upon through theprocedures described here.

Accordingly, manufacture of these components separately orsimultaneously may involve extrusion, pultrusion, vacuum forming,injection molding, blow molding, resin transfer molding, casting,forging, cold rolling, milling, drilling, reaming, turning, grinding,stamping, cutting, bending, welding, soldering, hardening, riveting,punching, plating, and/or the like. If any of the components aremanufactured separately, they may then be coupled with one another inany manner, such as with adhesive, a weld, a fastener (e.g. a bolt, anut, a screw, a nail, a rivet, a pin, and/or the like), wiring, anycombination thereof, and/or the like for example, depending on, amongother considerations, the particular material forming the components.

It will be understood that methods for manufacturing or assemblingsuspended systems are not limited to the specific order of steps asdisclosed in this document. Any steps or sequence of steps of theassembly of a suspended system with orientation control indicated hereinare given as examples of possible steps or sequence of steps and not aslimitations, since various assembly processes and sequences of steps maybe used to assemble suspended systems.

The implementations of a suspended system with orientation controldescribed are by way of example or explanation and not by way oflimitation. Rather, any description relating to the foregoing is for theexemplary purposes of this disclosure, and implementations may also beused with similar results for a variety of other applications employinga suspended system with orientation control.

What is claimed is:
 1. A suspended system with orientation control,comprising: a frame configured to be suspended from a support and havinga plurality of members, wherein each member of the plurality of membersextends within a single plane; a sign attached to the frame andconfigured to display a graphic; a plurality of sensors coupled to theframe and configured to track a position and an orientation of the framein real time; at least two thrusters attached to the frame andconfigured to adjust the position and the orientation of the frame,wherein each of the at least two thrusters has an axis oriented in adirection perpendicular to the single plane, wherein a first thruster ofthe at least two thrusters is positioned on a first end of the frame anda second thruster of the at least two thrusters is positioned on asecond end of the frame opposite the first end, and wherein each of theat least two thrusters comprises two propellers axially aligned andconfigured to rotate in a same direction while creating thrust inopposite directions; and a microcontroller operatively coupled to theplurality of sensors and the at least two thrusters and configured to:wirelessly receive a selected position and a selected orientation of theframe from a user; receive the position and the orientation of the framein real time from the plurality of sensors; compare the position of theframe with the selected position and the orientation of the frame withthe selected orientation; calculate a thrust needed from each of the atleast two thrusters to move the frame into the selected position and theselected orientation; control the at least two thrusters to adjust theposition and the orientation of the frame into the selected position andthe selected orientation; and verify that the position and theorientation of the frame are equal to the selected position and theselected orientation.
 2. The suspended system of claim 1, wherein theframe comprises four corners and wherein a thruster of the at least twothrusters is positioned adjacent each corner of the four corners.
 3. Thesuspended system of claim 1, wherein the plurality of sensors includes agyroscope, an accelerometer, a barometer, and a magnetometer.
 4. Thesuspended system of claim 1, wherein the sign comprises a holographicfan.
 5. A suspended system with orientation control, comprising: aplanar frame configured to be suspended from a support; a plurality ofsensors coupled to the frame and configured to track an orientation ofthe frame in real time; at least two thrusters attached to the frame andconfigured to adjust the orientation of the frame, wherein each of theat least two thrusters has an axis oriented in a direction perpendicularto the frame; a microcontroller operatively coupled to the plurality ofsensors and the at least two thrusters and configured to: wirelesslyreceive a selected orientation of the frame from a user; receive theorientation of the frame in real time from the plurality of sensors;compare the orientation of the frame with the selected orientation;control the at least two thrusters to adjust the orientation of theframe into the selected orientation; and verify that the orientation ofthe frame is equal to the selected orientation; and a sign comprising aholographic fan attached to the frame and configured to display agraphic.
 6. The suspended system of claim 5, wherein a first thruster ofthe at least two thrusters is positioned on a first end of the frame anda second thruster of the at least two thrusters is positioned on asecond end of the frame opposite the first end.
 7. The suspended systemof claim 5, wherein the microcontroller is further configured tocalculate a thrust needed from each of the at least two thrusters tomove the frame into the selected orientation.
 8. The suspended system ofclaim 5, wherein the frame comprises four corners and wherein a thrusterof the at least two thrusters is positioned adjacent each corner of thefour corners.
 9. The suspended system of claim 5, wherein each of the atleast two thrusters comprises two propellers axially aligned andconfigured to rotate in a same direction while creating thrust inopposite directions.
 10. The suspended system of claim 5, wherein eachof the at least two thrusters is a bidirectional thruster and isconfigured to selectably create thrust in two opposite directions. 11.The suspended system of claim 5, wherein the plurality of sensorsincludes a gyroscope, an accelerometer, a barometer, and a magnetometer.12. A suspended system with orientation control, comprising: a frameconfigured to be suspended from a support and having a front face; aplurality of sensors coupled to the frame and configured to track anorientation of the frame; at least two thrusters attached to the frameand configured to adjust the orientation of the frame, wherein each ofthe at least two thrusters has an axis oriented in a directionperpendicular to the front face of the frame and two propellers axiallyaligned with the axis and configured to rotate in a same direction whilecreating thrust in opposite directions; and a microcontrolleroperatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the at least twothrusters and configured to: receive a selected orientation of the framefrom a user; receive the orientation of the frame from the plurality ofsensors; and control the at least two thrusters to adjust theorientation of the frame into the selected orientation.
 13. Thesuspended system of claim 12, wherein the front face of the frame isplanar.
 14. The suspended system of claim 12, wherein the plurality ofsensors are configured to track an orientation of the frame in real timeand wherein the orientation of the frame is received by themicrocontroller from the plurality of sensors in real time.
 15. Thesuspended system of claim 12, wherein the microcontroller is furtherconfigured to compare the orientation of the frame with the selectedorientation.
 16. The suspended system of claim 12, further comprising asign attached to the frame and configured to display a graphic.
 17. Thesuspended system of claim 16, wherein the sign comprises a holographicfan.
 18. The suspended system of claim 12, wherein a first thruster ofthe at least two thrusters is positioned on a first end of the frame anda second thruster of the at least two thrusters is positioned on asecond end of the frame opposite the first end.
 19. The suspended systemof claim 12, wherein the microcontroller is further configured tocalculate a thrust needed from each of the at least two thrusters tomove the frame into the selected orientation.
 20. The suspended systemof claim 12, wherein the frame comprises four corners and wherein athruster of the at least two thrusters is positioned adjacent eachcorner of the four corners.
 21. The suspended system of claim 12,wherein the plurality of sensors includes a gyroscope, an accelerometer,a barometer, and a magnetometer.
 22. The suspended system of claim 12,wherein each of the at least two thrusters is a bidirectional thrusterand is configured to selectably create thrust in two oppositedirections.
 23. A suspended system with orientation control, comprising:a frame configured to be suspended from a support, wherein the frame hasa plurality of members and each member of the plurality of membersextends within a single plane; a plurality of sensors coupled to theframe and configured to track an orientation of the frame; at least twothrusters attached to the frame and configured to adjust the orientationof the frame, wherein each of the at least two thrusters has an axis andwherein the axes of the at least two thrusters are parallel with eachother, and wherein each of the at least two thrusters comprises twopropellers axially aligned and configured to rotate in a same directionwhile creating thrust in opposite directions; and a microcontrolleroperatively coupled to the plurality of sensors and the at least twothrusters and configured to: receive a selected orientation of the framefrom a user; receive the orientation of the frame from the plurality ofsensors; and control the at least two thrusters to adjust theorientation of the frame into the selected orientation.
 24. Thesuspended system of claim 23, further comprising a sign attached to theframe, wherein the sign comprises a holographic fan.
 25. The suspendedsystem of claim 23, wherein the axes of the at least two thrusters areoriented in a direction perpendicular to the single plane.
 26. Thesuspended system of claim 23, wherein the frame comprises four cornersand wherein a thruster of the at least two thrusters is positionedadjacent each corner of the four corners.